Happy Birthday Jenny

Our Jenny is the most forgiving and understanding of me!  She never complains that I am always late on blogging her birthday due to the holidays, school deadlines, and life.  It doesn't change how much we love this beautiful woman and terrific mom.  Jenny's style of teaching their girls is admirable and they flourish under the love in their home.  She is always one to notice what needs to be done, always has a listening ear for those who need a friend, and is happy to indulge me in many Grammy moments!!

J - Just about the best mom for 2 beautiful girls
E - enthusiastic about life, family, and everything in-between
N - Naturally very compassionate
N - Never waivers in her testimony and faith
Y - You are blessed to call Jenny your friend

Happy Birthday Jenny!!  We love you and the happiness you brings into our lives. 

Shun-the-Sun Race

One of my "new" hobbies is jogging.  I'm not sure it is really jogging, maybe very fast walking and picking up my feet, but nonetheless, moving quicker than normal.  After working at this new hobby from the approach of "from couch to 5K", I was somehow convinced that I could actually run a 5K race.  Jacque and I entered the Shun-the-Sun Cancer Run.  Jacque entered the 1/2 Marathon and I entered my first official 5K.  It was scheduled for the afternoon, which was very, very warm.  We were given long-sleeve shirts to wear (shun the sun) and I was very nervous about the heat.  However, I had the best cheering squad a Grammy/Mom could ask for!

 

 

I will admit whole-heartedly that it was harder than I thought.  The heat, the shirt, the course...I don't know....but I really thought I was going to have a heart attack!  I had two goals:  One - don't stop!  Two - don't come in last!
ACCOMPLISHED!!

Jacque's race started first, and then my race began....

We waited a little while for Jacque to come in.  She did her best time ever for a 1/2 Marathon!

I cannot believe that this dream became a reality.  Who would have ever thought that AFTER I turned 50, I would start to do things like this??

Sometimes, Homework is FUN!!

One of my assignments included finding a place to go on a field-trip with younger students that would also be educational.  The Vertuccio Farms/Pumpkin Patch was the perfect place for me and Jade to explore and "be educated"!!  How many times does a student get to spend time with her grand-daughter and received a high grade?? (Of course I got an A on the project/write-up!!)

 

Happy Birthday Lilly

Oh, how this one makes us smile!  Just look at that "angelic" face.  She is growing up way to fast and each day brings new joy and laughter.  Lilly loves to run into your arms and throw them around your neck.  Nothing beats that.  She loves to pull out her books and "read" and she is a perfect little mom to her "baby", which always has a binky in her mouth.

L - loves to eat.  We all know this.  But Lilly does it with gusto and so much animation!
I - Independent.  Does NOT want help.  Does not want to eat in the high-chair.  She is a BIG girl!
L - laugh is contagious.  If you hear Lilly's laugh, you laugh with her.  A deep-belly laugh!!
L - likely the best hugger ever. There is something so special about a hug from our Lilly-bug.
Y - You can bribe Lilly with anything edible....except grapes!

Our sweet Lilly is two!  Two fantastic years of love, antics that make everyone laugh, and growth from a baby into the wonderful twos!  Oh...and a spittin' image of her father!  Can't wait to see what Lilly will do next!!

Happy Birthday Lilly!  We LOVE you!!

Happy Birthday Aaron

Happy, Happy Birthday to our oldest!  I know he's not getting any older because I sure am not!!  I was finally able to capture some of Aaron's personality when I went to visit last month.  I don't know of anyone with a bigger heart than Aaron's.  He is always trying to make others happy and finds such a variety of ways to show his love.  He is the best at calling and telling me about the weather, the food, the gourmet meals they eat, and all their memorable adventures in Kansas.  Some things have not changed...nor do I think they will ever change.

Aaron loves Legos.  I brought a whole suitcase full of them with me to Kansas.  It was like watching a little kid opening presents - just an early birthday for him!  Another quality about Aaron is that he loves history and looking for historical markers.  We found quite a few while traveling!

Aaron has always been my taste-tester.  We had quite the sampling of delicious food while in Kansas.  He and Savannah have been to fancy restaurants, diners, and "hole-in-the-walls" looking for the best food.

Aaron has a special gift of making others feel important and loved.  I see that in every aspect of his life.  He adores Savannah, is always serving someone in the ward, entertains all ages of kids, and always shows his love for his family.  I couldn't ask for anything more in a son.

A - Aware of others' needs and always has a special knack of helping others enjoy life.
A - Adorable in the ways he shows his love to Savannah.  They are a wonderful couple making a difference wherever they live.
R - Reliable and full of integrity and honor as he serves with dedication and commitment
0 - Organized, detailed, and determined to fix a problem and get things done.  The best at fixing technological issues!
N - Never forgets to call and check on his parents and grandparents.  We love that!!

Hope you have a fantastic birthday.....considering you are entering the next DECADE!!!
We love you!!

A Little TLC

Before school started, Aaron and Savannah decided I needed a little tender-loving-care and convinced me to come and visit them in their new home-state of Kansas.  They love it there and after visiting, I can see why.  Of course, I didn't visit during the frigid months of winter, so I'm pretty sure my loyalty to this state is greatly biased!  Aaron and Savannah had planned quite the adventure with many historic sites to visit and many restaurants to explore.  We were able to attend a session in the Kansas City Temple, visit places such as Adam-Ondi-Ahman, Far West, Haun's Mill, Independence, Liberty Jail, and other church historic sites.  We sampled Kansas BBQ, Asian cuisine, and more BBQ.  Kansas City and the surrounding vicinity were quite impressive!  I want to visit again!!

A Picnic at the site prepared by these two!

 

 

 

I couldn't have asked for a more relaxing time.  These two really know how to treat their guests!

It was a much needed TLC before another full semester of school!

LOVE YOU!  Aaron and Savannah!!